Although it is generally a good idea to “unfollow” your ex after a divorce or breakup, many find themselves checking in from time to time. After all, it is hard to remain disconnected in the digital era, even from someone you do not want to be around anymore. What happens if you check your ex’s social media – only to find something incriminating? Can you use it to your advantage?
- Screenshot the Content if Possible
If possible, try to screenshot the content that you think might be incriminating. Remember, your ex might eventually realize their mistake and delete the post or message. It’s best to capture the evidence right away, especially if you are dealing with ephemeral content. Remember, ephemeral content is that which self-deletes after a certain amount of time. Examples include “disappear-mode” messages, Snapchat messages, Instagram stories, and much more.
- Speak With a Lawyer
Call a family law attorney in Georgia to get their take on the situation. Could the content be incriminating, or did you jump to conclusions? Does the content depict anything illegal, or is it simply unethical? Your lawyer can help you answer these questions and determine your next step.
- Find Ways to Capture Future Evidence
If you missed your chance to screenshot the content, consider methods of capturing evidence with greater efficiency in the future. Various apps may allow you to capture evidence in an automatic fashion. In addition, you can use a separate camera to capture evidence on apps that do not allow screenshots.
Why Might Social Media Evidence Be Useful?
The use of social media content depends on what it depicts. A post might depict a mother or a father neglecting or abusing their children, for example. In this situation, the content may form the basis for the removal of custody. A parent may lose the right to unsupervised visits. They might even go to prison for child abuse.
Other content may point to financial misconduct. For example, a former spouse may brag about how they just made “700x” with cryptocurrency. If the spouse never revealed this investment during the property division process of a divorce, they may face accusations of concealing assets.
Sometimes, it is difficult to define what makes certain content incriminating or problematic for spouses. In some jurisdictions, posting a particularly disturbing meme can reflect badly on a parent’s ability to raise their children. There are many possibilities when it comes to social media content – which is why it is usually best to consult a lawyer for more information.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Family Law Attorney in Georgia?
If you have been searching for an experienced family law attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. The truth is that social media could play a surprisingly major role in your upcoming divorce, custody battle, or restraining order. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. Reach out today to get started.
